Nigerian woman dies after surgery in UK hospital, leaving three children, as family launches fundraiser amid growing community concern
A Nigerian woman, Damilola Balogun, has died at a United Kingdom hospital shortly after undergoing surgery, barely five months after giving birth.
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Members of the Nigerian community in the UK confirmed the death on Sunday.
An X user, identified as @Dhkrullah, announced the passing in a public post.
Damilola Balogun died on January 1, 2026, according to a fundraising appeal launched for her family.
The appeal, organised by Omowumi Adetifa on GoFundMe, had raised £3,506 of a £5,500 target from 245 donors as of Sunday.
The statement described Balogun as a loving wife, devoted mother, and the main applicant on her family’s skilled worker visa.
It said she welcomed a baby five months earlier, before a sudden health crisis began.
According to the appeal, Balogun first reported severe migraines and sought care at Walsall Manor Hospital.
She was treated and discharged.
Three days later, she returned with persistent symptoms but was again sent home.
Two weeks later, the headaches continued, prompting hospital admission.
Doctors administered antibiotics and conducted an MRI scan and lumbar puncture.
The tests reportedly revealed fluid on her brain.
She was urgently transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, for surgery.
The procedure was initially successful, raising hopes of recovery.
Three days later, Balogun fell into a coma and was placed on life support.
Despite medical intervention and prayers, doctors confirmed she could not recover.
Life support was withdrawn on the morning of January 1.
The appeal said the family entered the new year in devastating grief.
Balogun is survived by her husband, three children aged 11 years, 10 years, and five months, as well as her mother and grandmother.
The statement noted that her husband had been unable to work throughout her hospitalisation.
It said the family’s savings were exhausted by medical and living expenses.
The fundraiser seeks support for funeral costs and immediate care for the children.
“No amount is too small,” the organisers said.
Tributes and condolences have continued to pour in on X.
@OluomoofDerby urged people to push for thorough medical checks, citing rising early deaths.
Another user, @Enigmalik, criticised delays in scans and referrals.
@jhazzy_music advised families abroad to prioritise life insurance, describing the death as heartbreaking.
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Balogun’s death has renewed concern within the Nigerian diaspora over healthcare access and reported fatalities involving Nigerians in the UK.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
